It is that time of year again when new show calves are being brought in. No matter if you raised or bought one, halter breaking is one of the biggest task to complete. There are several methods how to accomplish this, but they all have some key things to remember:
- Understand the temperament of the calf. Are they quiet? Are they flighty? Do they want to fight?
- Work slowly and quietly. Loud and fast can start the calf's fight or flight response.
- Teach one thing at a time. Calves think only about one thing at a time. Don't try to much at once.
- Pressure and release. When you ask a calf to take a step, reward them for moving by releasing pressure.
- Be consistent. Don't confuse a calf by trying multiple ways to teach them things. Teach the same way multiple times.
- Be patient. Calves learn at different speeds. One may start walking on a halter in 3 days, another may take 3 weeks.
- Know when to say when. If a calf stops responding to what you ask, take a break. It can take cattle 30 minutes or more to calm down if they get excited during the breaking process.
- Be Safe. Make sure the area you are working in is safe and you and the calf can work safely.
Morgan Young, Extension Agent in Chaffee County, Colorado has put together a great resource video on halter breaking calves. Here is the link: Halter Breaking Cattle CSU Extension- Morgan Young
Scott Stinnett
Area Extension Agent
Kit Carson County
Golden Plains Area
Colorado State University Extension